From where we're sitting, times look tough for the underground Metal scene. The music's still out there, but we're clearly not the only site that's struggling to find people to keep up with new releases, never mind having time to devote to classics that deserve revisiting. Is it simply something that's had its time, and is just slowly withering into obscurity as the last of the dedicated sites and forums and blogs fade away?

We hope not. It's a proud heritage, filled with defiantly independent spirits who form the bands, run the labels and publicise the scene. But it needs an active fanbase to nourish those things, to take an interest and participate in keeping them alive, to create some sense of community rather than lone voices howling in the wilderness.

That is why we are appealing, again, for anyone with time and talent to help. If you like Doom, and want to talk about it; if you want to support music that you love, then contact us to get involved. Not for material reward - there's little of that, to be honest - but for the satisfaction of being a part of this scene: to promote your chosen music, to discover more about it, even to make contacts and friends amongst the bands and labels - that's what being a reviewer or interviewer is really about.

And if you don't feel able to write formally, why not join in on the forum instead? Share your thoughts and comments with us, ask questions or start discussions. It doesn't take much to build up a thriving group with common interests, just a little effort to get involved, stand up and be counted as a fan.

If you'd like to be part of the editorial team, contact us at doominstrel@ yahoo.fr. If you'd just like to make your voice known on the forum, sign up here http://www.doom-metal.com/phpbb2/.

Welcome!

_________________The horror... the horror...nihil expedit - nothing is worth it